Packaging system

ABSTRACT

A packaging system is disclosed comprising at least one article, translucent walls allowing the at least one article to be viewable by a consumer, and a header and footer covering top and bottom portions of the translucent walls. The header and footer may include printed or graphic information about the at least one article wherein the header and footer extend the area in which printed information about the at least one article can be provided. Additional labeling can be provided to display information about the at least one article.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to co-pending U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/840,144, entitled “Packaging System,” filedAug. 25, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. This present application also relates to co-pending U.S.Design patent application Ser. No. 29/265,171, entitled “PackagingSystem,” filed Aug. 25, 2006, the disclosure of which also is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to packaging systems and morespecifically to packaging systems where the article is visible to theconsumer and the packaging extends and expands the area in whichinformation about the article being packaged can be provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A limited amount of space is available on articles and containers forarticles, such as bottles, for including information about the articleand its use. This problem is made more difficult as ever expandingregulations require more, and sometimes specific types, of information.While most bottles have a large barrel for containing the fluid, theytypically have narrowed openings or necks. The neck of the bottletypically does not provide much room to advertise or include thetrademarks for the product or the entity providing the product nor canmuch information about the components or use of the product be provided.Also, printing directly to the neck of a bottle is more technicallychallenging.

In an effort to expand the area in which information about the productcan be provided, certain manufacturers have enclosed these types ofarticles (i.e., bottles or other containers) in packaging systems, suchas boxes, where printed material can be included on all sides of thepackaging system. However, in order to provide printed material on allsides of the packaging system, typically the packaging system has beenopaque in coloring such that the article encased in the packaging systemis not easily viewable. This type of packaging system suffers from thedisadvantage that while more area is available on the packaging systemitself to provide printed information about the article or the entitypromoting the article, the article itself is not readily available, ifat all, once the article is encased in the packaging system. Also,typical packaging for bottles and the like must be strong and rigid tosupport the item. This objective has been generally achieved through theuse of cardboard, paperboard and other equivalent opaque materials.Consumers generally have a desire to inspect the actual item and whenthe packaging is opaque, the consumer is more likely to open thepackaging which is highly undesirable. Thus, it is a desirable goal tohave a packaging system which is strong enough to support the article oritem within but wherein the article and the information printed ordisplayed on the article encased in the packaging system is viewablewhen packaged. It is also a desirable goal to use the packaging systemitself to extend the area in which printed information about the articlecan be provided.

In the packaging systems of the prior art, it has been difficult toachieve all these desirable goals so that a packaged article, such as abottle, can be secured within the packaging system, displayed to theconsumer and provide additional printed information. For example, abottle is encased in a box but the bottle is not affixed to the sides ofthe box making it difficult to ensure that the integrity of the bottleis not altered during transportation of the packaging system encasingthe bottle. Thus, it is desirable to find a means to secure an articlein a packaging system while not taking away from the goals of having apackaging system that maximizes the area in which printed informationabout the article may be provided.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a packaging system wherein thewalls of the packaging system are preferably translucent in natureallowing the article being encased in the packaging system to beviewable. The packaging system further provides a header or footerincluded on portions of the translucent walls of the packaging systemfor providing printed information about the article being encased in thepackaging system. This packaging system preferably extends the area inwhich printed information about the article or the entity promoting thearticle can be provided.

In another embodiment, the packaging system of the present invention isprovided having translucent walls with a footer covering the lowerportion of the translucent walls or a header covering the upper portionof the translucent walls. This footer and/or header preferably hides orobscures the end caps contained within the packaging system wherein theend caps are put in place to secure the article being encased in thepackaging system.

In a further embodiment, the packaging system of the present inventionis provided having translucent walls with a footer covering the lowerportion of the translucent walls and a header covering the upper portionof the translucent walls. The top and bottom walls of the packagingsystem preferably have flaps that can engage the article being encasedin the packaging system such that the article is secured in transport.

In another embodiment, a packaging system of the present invention isprovided wherein the walls of the packaging system are preferablytranslucent in nature allowing the article being encased in thepackaging system to be viewable. The packaging system further provides aback panel included on a portion of the translucent walls of thepackaging system for providing printed information about the articlebeing encased in the packaging system. This packaging system preferablyextends the area in which printed information about the article or theentity promoting the article can be provided. The technical advantagesof the present invention include a strong or rigid packaging system thatcan support items such as bottles and the like. Another technicaladvantage is that the packaging system provides direct viewing ordisplaying of the article contained within the packaging system. Anothertechnical advantage is that the packaging system provides additionalarea to provide or display printed or graphic information.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthe invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction wig theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a packaging system,including an article, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back view of an embodiment of a packaging system, includingan article, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a component for a packaging system inaccordance with the present invention adapted for receiving an article;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a packaging system, includingan article, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of a packaging, system, includingan article, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of an embodiment of a packaging system,including an article, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an embodiment of a packagingsystem, including an article, in accordance with the present inventionis shown, Packaging system 10 is depicted comprised of translucent box101 constructed of a suitable polymeric or other material well known tothose skilled in the art. Preferably translucent box 101 includes header102 which covers the top portion of translucent box 101. Header 102 canbe constructed by either printing directly onto translucent box 101 orby providing a pre-printed adhesive label and affixing it to translucentbox 101. Such printing or affixing may be performed on to translucentbox 101 while it is still flat and not shaped in the form of a box. Oncethe printing and labeling has been completed then the flat form of thebox is die-cut, folded and then joint glued wherein header 102 coversthe top portion of translucent box 101 when done. Alternatively,labeling can be performed after translucent box 101 is fully formed. Inanother alternative, the flat form is die-cut first, then has theprinting or labeling affixed.

In one embodiment, the article to be encased in packaging system 10 isbottle 103 having a wall 111. Bottle 103 preferably has a label or otheridentifying markings (not shown) affixed directly to the wall 111 thatare viewable through the one or more sides 113 of translucent box 101when bottle 103 is encased in packaging system 10. In an embodiment,bottle 103 includes elongated neck 106 (shown in the cutaway view ofFIG. 6). Due to the shape of elongated neck 106, it is difficult toprint, label or otherwise include much, if any, information or otheridentifying markings. In an embodiment, header 102 when applied totranslucent box 101 obscures elongated neck 106 and thus provides moreroom or area to advertise or display other information, such asinformation about the article included in translucent box 101, thanwould be available by providing the article without the use of packagingsystem 10. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, a portion of header102 may be translucent, such as a window or cutout, to provide a view ofthe neck 106 or cap 115 (both shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 6).

Header 102 preferably includes a variety of information. Informationincluded on header 102 may be a trademark for the entity that is thesource of the article contained within packaging system 10. Additionallyor alternatively, header 102 may include a description of the contentsof the article being packaged and information as to why the articlecontained in packaging system 10 should be purchased. Pricinginformation or a description of the entity promoting the article beingpackaged, such as its history, may be incorporated onto header 102. Anyother information, both textual and graphic, desirable to the user ofthe present invention may also be provided.

While shown in FIG. 1 as a solid portion, it should be appreciated thatheader 102 may have windows, not shown, or other openings such thatcontents within the upper portion of translucent box 101 may be viewablethrough header 102. As an example, bottle 103 may have a special cap 115(shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 6) that the manufacturer wishes topromote while continuing to use header 102 primarily to promote bottle103. Accordingly, a window or other viewing portion preferably isprovided in header 102 such that only cap 115 (see FIG. 6) is viewablethrough header 102.

Translucent box 101 may preferably further include, but is not limitedto, end caps 104 and 105 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) for receiving anarticle to be encased in packaging system 10. These end caps preferablyare sized and shaped to secure the article in place such that thearticle does not become disengaged when transported from one location toanother. End caps 104 and 105 preferably are composed of a plastic-typematerial, and end caps 104 and 105 are releasably removable frompackaging system 10 if the packaged article does not require end caps104 and 105. Alternatively, the article may be affixed to flaps (notshown) on the top portion of translucent box 101 in order to keep thearticle in place.

Returning to FIG. 1, footer 106 also preferably is incorporated as partof packaging system 10. Footer 106 serves a number of purposes. Givenits opaque coloring, footer 106 may obscure end cap 105 (shown in thecutaway view of FIG. 6) such that it is not readily viewable by aprospective purchaser or consumer of packaging system 10. Footer 106also preferably may be used in a manner similar to that of header 102 inthat additional information about the article contained in packagingsystem 10 and/or the entity promoting the article or packaging system 10may be included in footer 106.

FIG. 3, an embodiment of a component for a packaging system inaccordance with the present invention adapted for receiving an article,depicts an embodiment of packaging system 10 wherein no article iscontained within translucent box 101 of packaging system 10 and noheader or footer are shown. Thus, in this embodiment, end caps 104 and105 are in view. End cap 104 is preferably shaped or adapted to receivean item such as cap 115 (see FIG. 6) of an article to be encased orcontained in packaging system 10. It should be appreciated however thatthe shape of indention 117 in end cap 104 (see FIG. 6) may be adapted tofit or mate with the top portion of the article being encased.Similarly, end cap 105 is preferably shaped or adapted to receive thebottom portion 119 (FIG. 6) of a bottle, for example, but can preferablybe adapted, sized and shaped to receive articles of varying sizes andshapes depending on the article to be encased.

Turning to FIG. 2, a back view of an embodiment of packaging system 10,including an article, in accordance with the present invention isdepicted. Portions of the sides or walls 113 of translucent box 101 areshown. However, in this embodiment, back panel 107 formed from amaterial similar to that used for header 102 or footer 106 is shown.Back panel 107 provides an additional means for displaying informationabout the article being stored in packaging system 10 while continuingto allow the article to be viewable when the article is contained withinpackaging system 10. In this embodiment, back panel 107 is elongated ina rectangular shape that obscures a portion of the bottle encased inpackaging system 10 allowing the bottle to be in partial view butproviding additional area for including information about the bottleand/or contents of the bottle than would be allowed if the informationwere to be included on the bottle itself. It should be appreciatedhowever that the shape of back panel 107 may be altered based on theinformation to be included on back panel 107 as well as to be in linewith the size and shape of translucent box 101 and/or header 102.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a packaging system, includingan article, in accordance with the present invention. This side viewpreferably demonstrates how the profile of the article 103 being encasedis viewable such that if there are labels or other identifiers on thesides of the article being encased, these items are viewable when thearticle is placed in translucent box 101. Again, header 102 obscures theupper portion of the article being encased but this embodiment allowsfor additional information about the product or another identifier ofthe product and/or entity promoting the product to be included on header102 on all sides of translucent box 101. Similarly, the width of footer106 may be extended such that additional information similar to thatincluded on header 102 may also preferably be included on the sides oftranslucent box 101. It also should be appreciated that should a user ormanufacturer of packaging system 10 determine that it is preferable tobe able to view the article to be encased in packaging system from thefront and back panels, a panel similar to back panel 107 may preferablybe incorporated on the sides of translucent box 101 to provide differentareas for including information relevant to packaging system 10 and/orthe article encased in packaging system 10.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of a packaging system, includingan article, in accordance with the present invention. From this view, itcan be seen that header 102 covers the top portion of translucent box101 such that advertising or other information about the articleincluded in packaging system 10 may also be viewable on the top portionof packaging system 10. Accordingly, designs may extend across the topof translucent box 101 to any or all of the sides forming header 102.

It should be appreciated that while packaging system 10 is depicted ashaving a rectangular or box shape, other shapes of packaging system 10may be employed without departing from the objects of the presentinvention. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention,packaging system 10 is preferably modified so as to house more than onearticle within box 101. Accordingly, more than one set of end caps wouldpreferably be used to receive portions of the articles being encased inthat packaging system. Also while in some figures, packaging system 10is shown as having a header and a footer, and in some cases, a backpanel, it should be appreciated that one, all or a combination of theseitems may be utilized without departing from the objects of the presentinvention.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, thescope of the present application is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositionof matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Asone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from thedisclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized according to the present invention.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

1. A packaging system comprising: an article; translucent walls; afooter covering a lower portion of said translucent walls; and a headercovering an upper portion of said translucent walls, wherein saidarticle is encased within said translucent walls and is at leastpartially viewable through said translucent walls.
 2. The packagingsystem of claim 1, said packaging system further comprising: at leastone end cap inside said packaging system for securing said article insaid packaging system, wherein said footer and said header hide said atleast one end cap inside said packaging system.
 3. The packaging systemof claim 1, said header including printed information about saidarticle.
 4. The packaging system of claim 1, said header includingopenings wherein portions of said article are viewable through saidheader.
 5. The packaging system of claim 1, said footer includingprinted information about said article.
 6. The packaging system of claim1, said packaging system further comprising: at least one flap formed aspart of said translucent walls, wherein said at least one flap engagessaid article being encased in said packaging system such that saidarticle is secured in said packaging system.
 7. The packaging system ofclaim 1, said packaging system further comprising: a back panel on atleast one of said walls for providing printed information about saidarticle being encased in said packaging system, wherein said back panelextends the area in which printed information about said article can beprovided while allowing said article to be partially viewable whenencased in said packaging system.
 8. A packaging system comprising:walls that are translucent or partially translucent in composition; anarticle encased in said packaging system wherein said walls allow forsaid article to be viewable when encased in said packaging system; and aback panel on at least one of said walls for providing printedinformation about said article being encased in said packaging system,wherein said back panel extends the area in which printed informationabout said article can be provided while allowing said article to bepartially viewable when encased in said packaging system.
 9. Thepackaging system of claim 8, said packaging system further comprising: afooter covering a lower portion of said walls; and a header covering anupper portion of said walls, wherein said header and said footer extendthe area in which printed information about said article can beprovided.
 10. The packaging system of claim 9 wherein said header andsaid footer are printed directly onto said walls.
 11. The packagingsystem of claim 9 wherein said header and said footer are in the form ofa pre-printed adhesive label affixed to said walls.
 12. The packagingsystem of claim 9, said packaging system further comprising: at leastone end cap inside said packaging system for securing said article insaid packaging system, wherein said footer and said header hide said atleast one end cap inside said packaging system.
 13. The packaging systemof claim 8, said packaging system further comprising: at least one flapformed as part of said walls, wherein said at least one flap engagessaid article being encased in said packaging system such that saidarticle is secured in said packaging system.
 14. A packaging systemcomprising: at least one article encased in said packaging system;translucent walls allowing said at least one article to be viewable; aheader covering a top portion of said translucent walls includingprinted information about said at least one article; and a footercovering a lower portion of said translucent walls including printedinformation about said at least one article wherein said header and saidfooter extend the area in which printed information about said at leastone article can be provided.
 15. The packaging system of claim 14, saidpackaging system further comprising at least one end cap inside saidpackaging system for securing said at least one article in saidpackaging system, wherein said footer and said header hide said at leastone end cap inside said packaging system.
 16. The packaging system ofclaim 15 wherein the shape of indention of said at least one end cap isadapted to mate with a top portion of said at least one article to beencased in said packaging system.
 17. The packaging system of claim 15wherein said at least one end cap is releasably removable from saidpackaging system.
 18. The packaging system of claim 14, said packagingsystem further comprising: at least one flap formed as part of saidtranslucent walls, wherein said at least one flap engages said at leastone article being encased in said packaging system such that said atleast one article is secured in said packaging system.
 19. The packagingsystem of claim 14, said packaging system further comprising: a backpanel on at least one of said walls for providing printed informationabout said at least one article being encased in said packaging system,wherein said back panel extends the area in which printed informationabout said at least one article can be provided while allowing said atleast one article to be partially viewable when encased in saidpackaging system.
 20. The packaging system of claim 14, said headerincluding openings wherein portions of said at least one article areviewable through said header.